Political Islam in the Caucasus

Summary: Islam is increasingly becoming a factor in the politics of the wider Caucasus region, as Azerbaijan experiences a growth of religion in politics and Turkey and Iran compete for Islamic influence on their neighbors.

Islam is increasingly becoming a factor in the politics of the wider Caucasus region. In the south, Azerbaijan is experiencing a growth of religion in politics. Turkey and Iran compete for Islamic influence on their neighbors. In the North Caucasus, Moscow faces an ongoing insurgency that has many Islamic elements.

Two panels of Carnegie and outside experts analyzed the current trends and likely responses from governments in the region.